The city is looking at improving its strategy to bring major events to the city.

Myles Tycholis, manager events and Civic Centre, presented a power point presentation during Monday’s meeting which included steps to take to encourage future events.

After winning the bid to host the 2012 B.C. Winter Games and the 2015 Canada Winter Games, the city is looking towards encouraging more events.

The presentation pointed out they not only contribute to an increased quality of life in the city but provide a large economic and social impact as well.

Some steps to take include setting up an event hosting strategy leadership team, an implementation plan, looking at the allocation of resources and other hosting strategies.

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Northern Development Initiatives Trust, an independent regional economic development corporation established in 2005, has invested about $22 million in Prince George in projects valued at over $169.5 million since 2006.

Janine North, the Chief Executive Officer of Northern Development, was on-hand at Monday’s council meeting with an update on the progress of the organization.

Operating with less than one per cent overhead and with 13 community funding programs, from marketing initiatives to grant writing support, Coun. Deborah Munoz said it was an organization which offered great return on investment.

“A $10 return for every dollar invested? That’s very encouraging,” she said.

Ten people sit on the board of directors, including Mayor Dan Rogers.

It is advised by four Regional Advisory Committees made up of 64 locally elected leaders from each of the regions.